An Instant Smash Hit: Packed with Thrills and Laughter, TV Show Earns Rave Reviews

Coupang Play’s highly anticipated series Newtopia made its grand debut on February 7, immediately becoming the talk of the town. Starring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and actor Park Jung-min, the drama received a massive response upon its premiere, setting a new record for the most-watched series on the platform. The unique combination of zombies and comedy, dubbed a “zom-com,” has drawn significant attention for its originality.

Set in a zombie-ravaged Seoul, Newtopia follows soldier Jae-yoon (Park Jeong-min) and his long-distance girlfriend Yeong-ju (Jisoo) as they fight to reunite amidst chaos. The first two episodes focus on their realistic relationship, blending moments of humor and heartfelt emotion. Jae-yoon, struggling through military life, longs for Yeong-ju and often reminisces about her, creating touching yet comedic scenes. His interactions with his subordinate Line-ho (Lim Seong-jae) bring additional laughter, while his inner yearning for Yeong-ju is portrayed with emotional depth, resonating with viewers.

Meanwhile, Yeong-ju, a newly hired office worker, navigates the struggles of maintaining communication with Jae-yoon while dealing with societal pressures as a military girlfriend. Her relatable moments, from answering awkward questions about her relationship to balancing work stress, struck a chord with the audience. Adding to the tension is her college senior Seo Jin-wook (Kang Young-seok), whose frequent presence hints at an underlying love triangle. By the end of the first episode, their separation leads to a heart-wrenching breakup, but this is only temporary as an impending zombie outbreak forces their paths back together.

The second episode dives headfirst into action as the zombie crisis escalates. Jae-yoon, trapped in a high-rise building, teams up with hotel manager Aaron Park (Kim Joon-han) and hotelier Soo-jung (Hong Seo-hee) to fend off the undead. A suspenseful scene involving makeshift firebombs created from alcohol and lighters had viewers on the edge of their seats, showcasing the show’s gripping action sequences.

Yeong-ju also faces danger when the car she shares with Jin-wook is ambushed by zombies, bringing celebrity CEO Alex into the mix. Together, they navigate perilous situations, setting the stage for an unpredictable journey. Throughout the chaos, Yeong-ju solidifies her resolve to find Jae-yoon, heightening the emotional stakes with her mix of longing and fear.

What sets Newtopia apart is its seamless blend of zombie thrills and romance, a fresh twist on the traditional K-zombie genre. Park Jung-min and Jisoo’s chemistry shines, while a diverse cast of dynamic characters drives the suspenseful, ever-changing narrative. This new take on the genre has already captured the attention of global audiences.

Newtopia releases new episodes every Friday at 8 PM KST on Coupang Play.